The short answer
If you are travelling on the relevant qualifying passport for tourism, a family visit or another permitted short purpose, you generally need an NZeTA before departure rather than a visitor visa in advance.
Typical authority validity
2 years
Possible visitor stay
up to 3 months per visit
Time to allow
72 hours
What to check
United States nationals are included alongside citizens. You must still meet entry, health, character, funds and onward-travel requirements.
- Your passport qualifies under the current official visa-waiver rules.
- Your travel purpose fits the visitor or transit rules.
- You meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
- You have onward travel and sufficient funds.
- Your NZeTA details match the passport used at check-in.
Official charges
The government NZeTA request fee is NZD $17 through the official app or NZD $23 online. Most visitors also pay the NZD $100 IVL. Any Pacific Legacy Migration service fee is separate and optional.
Approval is not entry permission. An NZeTA lets an eligible traveller travel to New Zealand; border officers still consider entry permission on arrival.
Source checked 24 September 2026: Immigration New Zealand — NZeTA information ↗. Rules, fees and processing can change; confirm before travel.